Chevys Reign In Santa Maria

Lyricist Albert Hammond wrote, "Seems it never rains in Southern California. Seems I've often heard that kind of talk before. It never rains in California. But girl don't they warn ya'. It pours, man, it pours." The rock group The Mamas and the Papas made fame and fortune singing that song. They could have been singing about the weather we experienced sporadically on Friday, March 18, through Sunday, March 20, when the 24th Annual Chevy/GMC Truckin' Nats converged on the Santa Maria, California, Fairgrounds. We say sporadically since much of the time the climate was blustery fine. Knowing vintage custom truck owners aren't afraid of a little weather, we ventured to the central part of the Golden State to check out the pickups.

We're glad we made the trip. The producer of the show, Horse Power Promotions, knows how to stage a family fun show 'n' shine. Along with plenty of pristine pickups, there were automotive aftermarket vendors along Sir Michaels Manufacturers Row. If show participants and spectators were after vintage iron, there were many opportunities to go treasure hunting in the show's vast swap-meet area. There were also ample food vendors to keep the hungry Chevy crowd satisfied.

By covering some of rock's biggest legends, including Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Blue Baron Band entertained the audience well. The lead singer and guitarist had as awesome a voice as the deft handiwork he displayed on his electric ax (guitar). The band's music was even more delicious to our ears than hearing a custom truck start up, and that's saying something, considering the source.

On Sunday, several lucky audience members won raffle prizes from Stockton Wheel, ididit, Goodmark, American Racing Wheels, and Hawaiian Island Shine. The show reached its climax shortly after the raffle, when the Hawaiian Island Shine Show 'N' Shine Awards were presented. Those three days in March, the sweet Chevys in Santa Maria were a feast for all of our senses. Check out some of the trucks that shined in the following photos. Next years' event will be March 17 through March 19, 2006. Once you've seen what you missed out on this year, you'll want to cruise into Santa Maria for the 25th annual affair. For more information on the Chevy/GMC Truckin' Nats and other Horse Power Promotions events, visit www.horsepowerpromotions.com or call (805) 686-2007.